Overview

Ratings & Reviews

Special Features

From novel to screen: the adaptation of A Hologram for the King

Perfecting the culture

The making of A Hologram for the King

Synopsis

A Hologram for the KingDirector Tom Tykwer adapts Dave Eggers' best-selling novel, in which an American businessman (Tom Hanks) travels to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to sell a holographic telecommunications system to the country's king. Desperate to make the deal in order to stay afloat in a failing economy, he learns to navigate this unfamiliar culture with the help of a taxi driver (Alexander Black) and a local doctor (Sarita Choudhury). Ben Whishaw co-stars. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

2 stars for Tom Hanks, -3 for the story!

Honestly if I could give the film 5 stars I would as Tom Hanks delivers his signiture amazing performance. However the film, meaning the story, script... I mean this story was rather dull. Typical American Small business going after a lucrative Arabic contract in the broiling middle east only to be jerked around by the royalty that runs the country. The side story between Tom Hanks & the oppressed female doctor gave more interesting dialog with yet some rather gross physical ailments that could easily have been changed to something that didn't make you want to stop eating! I watch all my films on a 180" screen with projector giving an IMAX feeling at home. There was nothing about the sound that stood out. Picture quality was amazing! The director did a great job of making the King and his subordinated look like a bunch or rich jerks, and to top it off the ending of the deal only adds to the frustration. I often wondered while placing this film in the section that's dedicated for films to only be watched maybe once every 10+ years, if the director meant to take such a brilliant actor and make him appear.... Nevermind, I don't recommend. Im sorry. Everytime I think back on this film I get frustrated.

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

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GuyFromWisconsin

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Top 1000 Contributor

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Royally Right

"A Hologram for the King" stars Tom Hanks as an American salesman who travels to Saudi Arabia to sell a holographic teleconferencing system to the Saudi government. His character name is "Alan Clay" and he's at a time in his life when everything is going wrong. Set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the scenery is mesmerizing and the chemistry is spectacular between Hanks and his talented female co-star. Definitely worth seeing!

I would recommend this to a friend

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BobbyBert

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Elite Member

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

2

Hologram for a king

I believe this is one of the few Tom Hanks movies that I gave a low rating to. Hanks is a salesman for a electronic company hired to pass off a communication device that presents itself as a hologram. The difficulty gets more intense because it's the king of Saudi Arabia he has to see.

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

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Juberlee

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Member

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

2

Not typical for Tom Hanks

We bought the movie because it was a Tom Hanks movie! Had he not been in the film, we would not have watched the entire movie but we kept thinking the story line would improve. It was an o.k. film only because of Hanks. Would not recommend anyone spend any money on this!

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

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enzso

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Top 50 Contributor

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Great Movie

Outstanding movie and beautiful locations serve as a backdrop to a unique story that crosses cultures. A fine performance by Tom Hanks and a well-rounded supporting cast. Excellent comic beats by the actress Christy Meyer who plays the character of Cayley.

I would recommend this to a friend

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countryboy777

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Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Good plot Great Characters

The story reveals a man who in the past made a decision that again comes back in a different form to haunt him. It gives I believe an accurate view of International Commerce. The character development done by Tom Hanks is great!

I would recommend this to a friend

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MarkInOrlando

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Member

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

3

Well acted, but a bit slow

Had no idea what this was about, but Tom Hanks was enough for us to pick it up. Turned out to be a mid-life crisis story with a surprise love story thrown in. Hanks was excellent and his side kick taxi driver was fun.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Ghostchild

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Top 1000 Contributor

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4

Enlightened story line

Posted 1 year ago

Ghostchild

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Top 1000 Contributor

Tom Hanks character provides answers when dealing with international business matters. Hanks also gives the audience a birdeye view of American business practices and how they deal with people of a certain age. Good viewing.